G20 Middle Powers and Initiatives on Development

Abstract

This chapter addresses how the category of middle powers (MPs) can potentially utilize the opportunity for leadership through the MIKTA initiative. What distinguishes MPs from both big and small states is the functional focus on issue-specific niche efforts. As potential “bridges” in the global governance architecture within the context of the G20, non-traditional MPs have special capacity for leveraging their specific diplomatic attributes. Because of the diversity in experiences, the mode of leadership among these MPs in development policy is highly salient. The role of the Republic of Korea is especially relevant in refining—potentially through the MIKTA initiative—the 2010 Seoul Development Consensus.